Bollywood star and savvy entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty is launching a project that is both intimate and deeply connected to Mumbai's culinary scene. Although she has successfully established ultra-luxury restaurants like Bastian in Dadar and Goa, her latest venture is Bastian Amma Kai (meaning "Mother's Hand"), a heartfelt tribute to her Mangalorean roots and the rich flavors of Karnataka.
It is also a Karnataka-themed sanctuary, with the original Bastian space reimagined on New Link Road, Bandra West. This isn't just another business expansion for the actress born in the heart of Mangalore; it's a "homecoming" in the middle of Mumbai.
A Menu That Maps Karnataka
A notable feature of Bastian Amma Kai is its unapologetic celebration of the Kannada language and culture. In a field where "South Indian" food has often been reduced to generic idli-vada, Shilpa Shetty's new menu serves as a kind of culinary archive:
Map of Flavor: The menu card proudly features a map of Karnataka, identifying all the districts where the food is prepared. Kannada over Hindi: Defying Mumbai's practice of using Hindi and English names, dishes are listed by their original Kannada names. You won't see "Mirchi Bajji" or "Sabudana Vada" here they appear as Menasinakai Bajji and Sabbakki Vade on the menu.
Regional Icons: The menu spans the entire state, from the spicy Mangalorean Ghee Roast and Sukka to the rich Coorgi Pandi Curry (pork) and Coorgi Chicken.
Soul Food for the Urban Crowd
If the original Bastian gained a reputation for high-decibel glamour and celebrity sightings, Amma Kai is softer and more nostalgic. It targets the middle and upper middle class who are seeking genuine "comfort-driven" food.
Signature Dishes to Watch For:
- Mysore Masala Dosa: Authentic red chutney-smeared crispy dosas.
- Davanagere Benne Dosa: The classic butter-laden special of central Karnataka.
- Bisi Bele Bath: A traditional "hot lentil rice" prepared with traditional spice mixtures.
- Mysore Masala Egg Bhurji: A twist on the classic street-style egg scramble.
- A Connection between Heritage And Luxury
Shilpa Shetty and her partners at Bastian Hospitality (Ranjit Bindra and Kunal Jani) are reimagining the luxury dining experience by translating these home-inspired flavors to a familiar Bandra location. The restaurant's layout features earthy color palettes and touches of a mother's warmth in the kitchen, while maintaining the exceptional service and quality that is a hallmark of Bastian.
For everyone from a homesick Kannadiga in Mumbai to a local foodie eager to explore the soul of South Indian cuisine without the fuss, Bastian Amma Kai should be a tastefully inspired link between Mumbai's glamour and Karnataka's heart.
